Certified organic

Introduction
Burdock is a sturdy biennial plant reaching up to 2m high, with 50cm wide leaves forming a rosette at ground level, with smaller versions growing up the thick flowering stem. In mid-summer, the plant blossoms into a dense array of globular flowers with sticky bracts that cling to passing animals and peoples. Burdock roots grow straight down as much as 1m into the subsoil. The plant grows on roadsides and waste places and around field boundaries throughout Britain, Europe and North America; it is cultivated in Japan.

Constituents
Up to 50% inulin, polyacetylenes, volatile acids (acetic, proprionic, butyric, isovaleric), non-hydroxyl acids (lauric, myristic, stearic, palmitic), polyphenolic acids, and tannins.

Parts Used
The washed and dried root, powdered.

Typical Preparations
Chopped burdock root should be allowed to soak in water before it is boiled to make tea. Place a rounded tablespoon (6 to 8 grams) of chopped burdock root in 3 cups (750 ml) of cold water and allow to stand for at least 3 hours. Later, boil the mixture for at least an hour. Take the boiled burdock root tea off the stove and allow to cool to room temperature before straining and drinking. One cup three times a day is the usual dosage; leftover tea can be stored at room temperature for later use. This form of preparation is best when the tea is being used to treat digestive troubles. May also be taken as a capsule or extract, and mixes well with other tea infusions and decoctions.

Summary
There is considerable evidence in the scientific literature that burdock root tea is a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy. Its numerous antioxidants protect the liver from toxic chemicals, allowing it to process the body's naturally occurring steroids which is helpful in achieving hormonal balance. A mildly bitter herb, it stimulates the release of gastric juices and aids digestion. This combination of qualities explains its traditional use in treating acne, eczema, endometriosis, psoriasis, and uterine fibroids. The tea can also be used as a wash to treat skin infections, eczema, and psoriasis.

Precautions
Safe for use as a food or herb.